Madison County’s Always Support Kids 4-H Club (A.S.K.), a support group for children with autism or other developmental disabilities, and North Florida Community College are joining forces to help support autism awareness. Recently the NFCC Art Department hosted a painting workshop for A.S.K. that allowed local autistic children to create some amazing works of art. These works will be featured in an “Art Touched by Autism” Exhibit and Silent Auction on Thursday, May 22 at 6 p.m. at the Hardee Center for the Arts (NFCC campus, Bldg. 11). Proceeds will benefit autism awareness and help fund camps, field trips and activities throughout the year for A.S.K. participants. All are invited to attend this special event.

“I encourage you to attend and participate in the auction for a great cause and a chance to take home an original work of art by one of these talented children,” said Lisa Thompson, NFCC Art Director. “During the workshop, we gave the children paints, brushes and canvases and the freedom to create whatever their hearts desired. It was so fun to watch them go.”

Autism affects over 2 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide. Current statistics identify around 1 in 88 American children on the autism spectrum. (Autism Speaks, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The Madison County A.S.K. 4-H Club offers resources, support and activities to children with autism and other developmental disabilities and their families. Leslie McLeod, A.S.K. Leader, strongly believes that every child should have the same opportunities.

“I appreciate NFCC President John Grosskopf, Lisa Thompson and North Florida Community College for giving our children this great opportunity to express themselves through art, said McLeod. “I am thankful for the support from our community. It means so much to our families.”
For information contact Leslie McLeod, A.S.K. Leader, at lamcleod@live.com or Lisa Thompson, NFCC Art Director, at (850) 973-1642 or thompsonl@nfcc.edu.